Half Hollow Hills CSD Science Department
GRADE 5 UNIT: Cells Essential Question
How does cell theory support the basis of life?
New York State Standards/Key Ideas:
Standard 4: Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science. KEY IDEA 1: Living things are both similar to and different from each other and nonliving things.
New York State Performance Indicators: • Compare and contrast the parts of plants, animals, and one-celled organisms.
Major Understandings:
Students will understand that:
• Living things are composed of cells. Cells provide structure and carry on major functions to sustain life. Cells are usually microscopic in size. • The way in which cells function is similar in all living things. Cells grow and divide, producing more cells. Cells take in nutrients, which they use to provide energy for the work that cells do. • Most cells have cell membranes, genetic material, and cytoplasm. Some cells have a cell wall and / or chloroplasts. Many cells have a nucleus. • Some organisms are single cells; others, including humans, are multicellular. • Cells are organized for more effective functioning in multicellular organisms. Levels of organization for structure and function of a multicellular organism includes cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. • Multicellular animals often have similar organs and specialized systems for carrying out major life activities.